Women in Business: Mary Purvis

Residence: Fayetteville

Education: B.A., journalism, University of Arkansas; M.A., journalism and political science, University of Arkansas

Professional background: Purvis’ development career began in 2007 when she was appointed race chair for the 2008 Komen Ozark Race for the Cure. She became the paid director of development for the Komen Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen two years later. Four years later, she joined the University of Arkansas as assistant director of corporate and foundation relations. She received her current appointment in 2014.

What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? I wouldn’t exactly say I was initially inspired into this line of work. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Christmas Eve in 1995 and was married three days later on Dec. 27. Four years later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer again on Christmas Eve in 1999. After two stints with cancer, I was tapped to be the race chair for the 2008 Komen Ozark Race for the Cure.

That was a year-long, full-time commitment, and I already had a very demanding full-time job at Transplace. Along with organizing a big race and working closely with a committee of about 50, being chair involved a tremendous amount of fundraising, which I had never done before. We had a very successful race with about 15,500 runners, and we raised a lot of money as well. I learned first-hand that personal experience, passion goes a long way, and it sells. Once my chair duties were over, I still wanted to raise money, and one year later, Komen offered me a full-time job as director of development.

What was your dream job as a kid and why? To be a professional fisherwoman with my own TV show on ABC’s “Wide World of Sports.”

What is the most important aspect of achieving a balance between your career and your family? My job is to serve the university, the Fay Jones School, its donors and alumni. This means I need to be at my personal best at all times, which is code for good self-care. I admit I am self-care challenged. There is just not enough time to do it all, and my focus is always on facilitating relationships with others or meeting others. The topic of self-care is high on my list these days. I am trying to be smarter and strategic in my approach to achieving that balance.

What is the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? I am already in the midst of a big challenge: the University of Arkansas’ capital campaign, Campaign Arkansas. There are 13 months left to the campaign. The total goal for the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design alone is $71 million.

What are three words you would use to describe yourself? Determined, passionate, loyal. If I could add a fourth, it would be survivor.

What qualities do you feel are most important in a company leader? I believe it is important that leaders have a heart for the work they are doing because passion and desire can be very demonstrative which is very compelling and inspirational to others. If you are simply going through the motions, people know it and respond accordingly. I believe leaders should “walk the walk” and that there is not any task beneath them.

How do you spend your time away from work — if there is such a thing? What are your hobbies? I work seven days a week. I am never not a development officer and am never not thinking of how I can help advance the Fay Jones School. Fishing is what I most enjoy. I also enjoy photography, hanging out with my husband Hoyt at our condo on Lake Hamilton, Razorback sports, taking long walks and spending time with friends.

What’s the last good book you read? “Make Your Bed” by William H. McRaven.

What is something unique people would be surprised to know about you? I have three design patents and am a co-founder of an all-girls fishing club, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary. I also used to show horses competitively.

What time do you get up on workday mornings? I get up at 4 a.m. every day and have for 25 plus years now. This is the only time of day that I have to myself. I am a huge fan of “Morning Joe” [on MSNBC] and have watched it from the beginning.

If you have a bucket list, what are the top three things on it? To reach the point in my life where I have evolved into the perfect blend of what was good, strong and admirable about my mother and father. That would include becoming a better cook, fluent in a foreign language and perfecting the art of duck and quail hunting.